About Me
I am Director of Technology for Learning at Denbigh High School in Luton, recognised as a UNESCO Digital Strategy Best Practice Case Study. For ten years I was also Director of Technology for Learning at Chiltern Learning Trust, overseeing all aspects of digital strategy as the Trust grew from three schools to sixteen. In 2024, as a result of this work, the Trust won the MAT Excellence Award for Digital Innovation.
During the pandemic, I was Denbigh’s DfE EdTech Demonstrator Programme Lead. I joined the BETT Advisory Board in 2021 and won the Gold Pearson National Teaching Award for Digital Innovator of the Year. In 2023, Denbigh earned the Edufuturists Award for Secondary School of the Year, and I received the Global EdTech Award for Most Impactful Senior Member of Staff. I am now a Trustee for Apps For Good and a Workstream Lead for the A.I. in Education initiative.
Skills & Proficiencies
I have over twenty years experience in delivering the following to both schools and Multi Academy Trusts
Digital Strategy and Transformation
Effective use of A.I. in Education
Successful implementation of 1:1 device schemes
Aligning climate change and sustainability strategy to digital strategy
Technology for Learning across all subject areas and key stages
Adapting technology to support access and inclusion
Technology to support and reduce staff workload
Examples of my work and its impact
"Emma has been the driving force behind the strategic implementation of technology for learning across all schools in the Chiltern Learning Trust MAT, ensuring access for all students. Her work has ensured digital poverty does not affect some of the most disadvantaged students in the country, long before the Covid-19 pandemic. Her leadership has ensured technology really is for all, and all barriers are overcome. Her work has been recognised locally, nationally and internationally, with her undertaking advisory roles on the global technology stage. “
Pearson National Teaching Awards
Public speaking and session delivery
I have spoken publicly and delivered sessions on topics including digital strategy, A.I., sustainability and accessibility for a number of organisations and at a range of events including the following:
An Evening at Google, London
BESA LearnED Roadshow, Oxford
BETT Show, ExCel, London
CST Annual Conference, ICC, Birmingham
CST Data Leaders Conference, Birmingham Conference Centre
EDUtech Europe, RAI, Amsterdam
Festival of Education, Wellington College
Forum Strategy (Online)
ISPN Conference, Horwood House
LGfL Conference, London
MATPN, Nottingham and London
MAT Strategy Forum, The Cotswolds and Cheshire
Mobile Learning Week, UNESCO, Paris
Schools and Academies Show, NEC, Birmingham
UK Schools Sustainability Network (Online)
Westminster Education Forum (Online)
The Digital Futures Group
In a world of rapidly evolving digital technologies, what does it actually mean to be connected?
I am proud to be part of the Digital Futures Group along with seven other leaders of education technology in the UK. We have formed the group to provide a platform to share best practices and resources to support educators to navigate the challenges of technology for learning and prepare their schools, staff and pupils for the realities of a digital future.
You can learn more about our work here
Contact me
Emma Darcy
edarcyprior@gmail.com
Connect with me
